There are many ways that people have tried to address accessibility, and we can look at them through something called models. In 1983, Mike Oliver coined the Social Model of Disability and explained why he felt it was the best solution for folks with disabilities. Below, you can read about some of the different models.

The Social Model of Disability: Why It Works

  • A charity model means that, as a society, we try to address accessibility through charity. For example, a local church might offer a meals on wheels program for those in need. The program is paid for and sustained by donors and volunteers.

    The problem: This puts the responsibility of accessibility on “generous people,” not everyone. Times can get tough, and the number of people who can donate time and money shrinks. Yet the inaccessible system remains.

  • The medical model addresses disability on an individual level. A person’s disability is a medical condition, for which there needs to be a cure. For example, a person who is deaf may work with doctors to get a cochlear implant. With this medical intervention, they can now hear and are less disabled.

    The problem: Not all disabilities have cures. Not everyone with a disability wants a cure. Instead of asking why someone is unable to do something, shouldn’t we ask why our world is unable to adapt to those born with differences? The medical model treats people with disabilities as something to be fixed. It removes responsibility from everyone else to be inclusive and accommodating.

  • The social model addresses disability as a community issue. What barriers does your community put up for people with disabilities? How can we fix this as a community?

    Why it makes sense:

    Let’s say someone has acquired a disability that prevents them from driving or using the bus safely, and they can’t get to work anymore.

    Instead of a costly medical intervention to restore their ability to drive, or using a non-profit transportation service that is overcrowded, the social model would suggest starting an employee carpool.

    Every employee can now get to work. The carpool also benefits many types of employees. Any employees who want to cut down on gas expenses, have time to connect with their co-workers, or be more environmentally conscious now have this option.

The Power of Natural Supports: A natural support is when, instead of family or paid staff, the community comes together to support someone. Listen to this interview from Lynn Seagle about how natural supports changed Willy’s life.

You Say I Can’t, So I Don’t: There are plenty of well intentioned caregivers, family members, and DSP’s who have unconscious assumptions. We assume the brewery won’t be fun for the person we support, so we don’t go to the brewery. We assume they won’t like a beer, so they never try one. Just like that someone with a disability is excluded from one of San Diego’s greatest cultural hubs, breweries!

Can you imagine how you’d feel if your life was decided by other people’s assumptions of you? How many of your good friends you might have never met? How many fond memories you might have missed out on? Would you have enjoyed your 20’s if you still had your parents dictating your choices the whole time?

When support staff and caregivers make these assumptions, no matter how well intentioned, we rob someone of their agency. Part of establishing natural supports is the dignity of risk. There is always a risk in trying Something New, but there is just as much room for opportunity.